The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue released the December revenue collections showing state General Fund revenues are $815 million short for the fiscal year to date.

Summer Internships Available through Charles G. Koch Summer Fellow Program

The Koch Summer Fellow Program is an intensive ten-week paid summer internship program that offers free-market policy experience and professional training. Program tracks offer placements in public policy or nonprofit management at DC or state-based policy organizations. Stipend, career workshops, housing, and travel reimbursement are provided.

New report diagnoses skyrocketing PA college tuition, prescribes remedy for lower costs

Commonwealth’s revenue shortfall grows to $658 million  

HARRISBURG, PA —  The Commonwealth Foundation today renewed its call for restrained state government spending in the wake of a growing revenue shortfall.
 
The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue released the November revenue collections showing state General Fund revenues $93 million below estimate for the month, and now $658 million short for the fiscal year to date.

I am writing with exciting news!
 
Since I last wrote to you, a generous supporter has offered a unique incentive to join him in helping build the Commonwealth Foundation’s capacity to promote liberty in Pennsylvania in 2009.
 
We are calling it our “40in40” Challenge.    
 

The Commonwealth Foundation is saddened by the loss of Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll. We will fondly remember her unsurpassed dedication to her roles in public service, her compassion and decency, and her desire for fairness in the political and legislative arenas. Our prayers are with her family.

New policy brief addresses the impact of unions on public education

Uninsured citizens fare better than government insured

Commonwealth’s revenue shortfall grows to $560 million 

HARRISBURG, PA —  The Commonwealth Foundation today warned the newly minted General Assembly that it must immediately heed the voters’ call for “change” by reining in wasteful spending, otherwise painful tax increases are forthcoming.

Commonwealth Foundation launches "sunshine" project on school district labor negotiations

$281 million budget shortfall puts taxpayers at risk 

HARRISBURG, PA — The Commonwealth Foundation renewed its call for Governor Rendell and the General Assembly to take action to prevent a potential multi-billion dollar tax increase in 2009, following the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue’s latest report of a $281 million budget deficit.

Turnpike lease opportunity is going away

HARRISBURG, PA—The $12.8 billion offer to lease the Pennsylvania Turnpike will officially expire today at 5:00 p.m., unless Pennsylvania Transportation Partners (Abertis/CitiGroup) decide to extend its offer once again.  All indications suggest that the multi-national transportation consortium will be taking its capital to other, more welcoming states seeking private infrastructure investment.

Commonwealth Foundation Urges Action on Lease Legislation 

HARRISBURG, PA—Today, the Commonwealth Foundation called on the Pennsylvania legislature to consider Turnpike lease legislation before the end of the current legislative session. 

“Allowing the lease to die without full consideration by both houses of the legislature would be irresponsible and would put political patronage before the needs of the taxpayer,” said Matthew Brouillette, president of the Commonwealth Foundation.

Budget revenue shortfalls on track to produce multi-billion dollar tax increase in 2009
 

HARRISBURG, PA — The Commonwealth Foundation joined State Rep. Sam Rohrer, State Senator John Eichelberger, and other members of the General Assembly to call on Governor Rendell and the General Assembly to take immediate action to prevent a potential multi-billion dollar tax increase in 2009.

Federal government rejects Turnpike proposal to toll I-80 drivers

HARRISBURG, PA — The Commonwealth Foundation applauds the decision of the Federal Highway Administration to reject the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission’s (PTC) proposal to toll Interstate 80. In response to the federal government’s ruling, lawmakers should aggressively pursue public-private partnerships and the proposed lease of the Pennsylvania Turnpike to help meet our transportation infrastructure needs.

Unpaid debt increases from $0 to $73 billion under PTC’s revised plans
 

HARRISBURG, PA — Today, the Commonwealth Foundation presented an analysis of the proposed debt under the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission’s proposal to the federal government to toll Interstate-80.

Commonwealth Foundation provides visuals of the power, patronage and politics of the PTC

New report offers more accurate measure of education achievement

Turnpike Commission plan will cost taxpayers $37.4 billion

HARRISBURG, PA — Today, as the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission unveiled its plans for new tolling plazas along I-80, the Commonwealth Foundation reiterated its call to competitively bid the tolling of the interstate highway.

"We don’t believe it is necessary to toll I-80," said Matthew Brouillette, president of the Commonwealth Foundation. "But if policymakers are determined to do so—and Pennsylvania receives federal permission—we should go to the marketplace and see what the private sector will bring to the table."

Turnpike Commission should be dismantled, not given additional authority 

HARRISBURG, PA — Following the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission's (PTC) revised application to toll Interstate 80, the Commonwealth Foundation submitted a letter to the Federal Highway Administration in opposition to granting any authority to the Turnpike Commission to toll additional highways.